Are you in Thessaloniki and want to see something unique that you will never see again in your life? Then you should visit Meteora, a nature’s masterpiece.
Meteora is one of the most impressive and special geological monuments not only of Greece but of the world as beyond the singularity and beauty of the wider area of Meteora, there is the second largest and most important monastic community in the Greek Orthodox area. That is why they have been characterized as the second Mount Athos, which has preserved the religious and monastic tradition for centuries.
What impresses the visitor of Meteora is of course the huge dark rocks that jut out from the plain just above the town of Kalambaka and the picturesque Kastraki while it is strange that this very special place of Meteora has not been mentioned by any ancient historian but nor in Greek Mythology.
The sight, however, whether you are under the rocks in the city of Kalambaka, or you are on top of them, is literally breathtaking. The peaks of some of them exceed 400 meters above the plain, making everything look tiny, like when you are behind the window of an airplane.
Meteora has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988 (see description from the official UNESCO site).
Meteora got its name from Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, the founder of the first monastery in Meteora, the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior or the Great Meteor. Saint Athanasios the Meteorite climbed the rock with the until then name “flat stone” in 1344 which he renamed Meteor.
However, out of the 30 monasteries that were founded in Meteora today, only six are functioning, but they have been restored, while most of their frescoes are well preserved. They are open most days of the week and receive hundreds of visitors every day.
The second largest monastery after the Great Meteoron is the Varlaam Monastery (All Saints) and it owes its name to the monk Varlaam who climbed the rock in 1350 and built there a small temple of the Three Hierarchs and some cells. It is located directly opposite the Megalo Meteoro and has a wonderful view as well as some places worth visiting such as the old galley (stove) and the hospital.
ENVI Transfer Services
ENVI Transfer provides you with your transfer to Meteora, your transfer to the monasteries and your return to Thessaloniki.
Do you need safe and fast transfer? Do you want the best travel conditions and not having to worry about a tiring drive? ENVI Transfer is the right choice and the best proof is the more than 20,000 happy clients.
All our vehicles are fitted with the latest technology and offer plenty of room for luggage in order to make your trip as pleasant as possible.
Useful information
About the monasteries
- The monasteries are not open all days and hours of the week but have a specific schedule for which we can inform you.
- The monasteries have strict dress code. Men wearing a sleeveless blouse and shorts are not allowed to enter. Women should wear a long skirt and a blouse with covered shoulders. Skirts and handkerchiefs for borrowing are provided at the entrance of each monastery.
About us
- The trip from Thessaloniki to Meteora (and opposite) is long, so stops can be made at your request to the driver.
- If you wish, it is possible to dine in the excellent restaurants in Kalambaka or Kastraki overlooking Meteora!
